Manchester United have confirmed Tom Heaton has signed a new one-year contract.
Heaton, 39, is the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, but plays an “important leadership role” within Ruben Amorim’s squad, the club’s website reveals.
The Carrington graduate is entering his twentieth season as a professional footballer and offers a wealth of experience and knowledge from his storied career.
Heaton signed a one-year extension last year and, with his deal set to expire this summer, there were reports suggesting he could leave Old Trafford or become a member of the coaching staff.
Instead, the shot stopper will remain in his position within Amorim’s goalkeeping unit and maintain his stead as a leader in the United dressing room.
Heaton revealed he was “extremely proud” to continue representing the Red Devils as he put pen to paper on the new deal today.
“I am extremely proud to continue to represent Manchester United. As a group, we are all really excited for the season ahead. I am ready to support the team in every capacity as we prepare to get back to challenging for the biggest honours.”
Director of Football, Jason Wilcox echoed Heaton’s positivity, stating: “Toms leadership and experience are really important for the group so were pleased that he will be part of the squad again next season.
“Toms mentality and excellent preparation to ensure that he is always ready to perform when called upon makes him the perfect complement to our goalkeeping group.”
The goalkeeping position is set to be subject to a potential overhaul this summer with United believed to be open to the departures of both Onana and Bayindir.
But with the bulk of the transfer budget focused on attacking reinforcements, there is unlikely to be sufficient funds to upgrade both players. Instead, a new number two will be targeted to replace Bayindir and provide increased competition to Onana.
But regardless of the fate of the number one or number two at Old Trafford, the number three is confirmed to continue his time with the Reds.
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Darragh Fox Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
